Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, commended credit unions for succeeding where banks have not during the Maine Credit Union League’s 19th Annual Legislative Forum in Freeport, Maine on Nov. 6.

“Credit unions are about grassroots and successful politics is, too,” he told the crowd of 125 attendees. “You don’t focus on the interests of a few; you focus on the interests of all of your members. That is how it should be and was one of the reasons why my father was successful. He understood that he was elected president of all of the people, not just Republicans, and he worked hard to put the country’s interests ahead of personal interests. I applaud what credit unions have done to serve your members, especially in light of the how poorly big banks have treated their customers in recent years.”

Reagan was the keynote speaker and spoke for almost three hours about his father’s presidency and political career. He frequently compared today’s political environment with that of his father’s, as well as offered his insight on today’s politicians and the issues and challenges.

In addition to Reagan, a conservative political contributor, the event also featured two of Maine’s most well-known and frequently quoted political scientists, Sandy Maisel of Colby College and Mark Brewer of the University of Maine.

Politics was also the topic of Maisel and Brewer, who led a panel discussion on Maine politics and gave their thoughts and insight on the 2014 Governor’s race, the open seat for Congress in Maine’s second Congressional District, and issues facing the next legislature. “Our entire program was focused on being informative and entertaining for attendees and the feedback we received was that it was a great event. Michael Reagan really connected with the audience, and gave a wonderful presentation by sharing some intimate stories from his father’s presidency which the audience appreciated,” said John Murphy, league president.